Players: TOC field expansion under consideration

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KAPALUA, Hawaii - PGA Tour executives are exploring the possibility of expanding the Hyundai Tournament of Champions field, according to several players who said they have been approached about the idea.

Though no decision has been reached, among the discussed proposals are a two-year exemption for all winners or including all competitors from the previous Tour Championship field.

The Hyundai has annually hosted a field of winners from the previous season; because of this year's new wraparound schedule, it now also includes all recent winners from the current season.

Of the 35 eligible players for this week's edition of the event, 30 are competing.

The idea has been met with mixed reviews by players.

“I like how it is,” Webb Simpson said. “You show up and there's only a few guys and you go to the range and your practice rounds and you're only seeing a few guys. No matter how early your win was, it really carries it over and (let's you) kind of continue to celebrate the win.”

“I like the winners only,” agreed Matt Kuchar. “I don't see how expanding it has the same allure to it.”

One potential residual effect could be an improved field for the following Sony Open, as the short trip between the two events might prompt more players to make it a two-week excursion.